You can transfer your Pokémon Go account by signing in with the same login method on a new device
Pokémon Go accounts are tied to the login method you chose when you created them, not to a specific phone. To move your account to a new device, you sign in on that device using the same username and password (or the same Google, Facebook, or Apple ID) that you used on your old phone. Your Pokémon, items, and progress stay with your account and appear on the new device once you log in.
The process takes a few minutes and does not require contacting Niantic, the company that makes Pokémon Go. However, the steps differ slightly depending on which login method you used and which type of new device you are moving to.
Key Takeaways
- Your Pokémon Go account is stored in your login method (Google, Facebook, Apple ID, or Pokémon Trainer Club), not on your phone, so switching devices does not erase your progress.
- You must use the exact same login credentials on the new device that you used to create the account originally.
- If you cannot remember your password or no longer have access to your email, you will need to reset it through the login provider before you can sign in on the new device.
- Switching between iOS and Android (or vice versa) works the same way as switching between two phones of the same type.
- After you sign in on the new device, wait a few minutes for your Pokémon and items to load, especially if you have a large collection.
What happens to your account when you switch devices
Your Pokémon Go account lives in the login system you chose, not on your phone's storage. When you sign in on a new device with the same login credentials, the game downloads your account data from Niantic's servers. This means your Pokémon, items, Poké Coins, buddy Pokémon, and all other progress transfer automatically.
The only thing that does not transfer is the game's local cache — temporary files stored on your old phone. These files are not important; the game rebuilds them on your new device the first time you play. You do not need to back up anything manually or export any files.
Steps to transfer your account to a new device
Before you start: Make sure you know which login method you used. Open Pokémon Go on your old phone, tap the Poké Ball icon at the bottom, select Settings, and scroll to the Account section. You will see which method is linked (Google, Facebook, Apple ID, or Pokémon Trainer Club).
On your new device:
- read and open Pokémon Go from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Tap Sign In at the login screen.
- Select the same login method you used on your old phone (Google, Facebook, Apple ID, or Pokémon Trainer Club).
- Enter your username and password for that service.
- Wait for the game to load your account data. This can take 1 to 5 minutes depending on your internet connection and how many Pokémon you own.
- Once you see your avatar and Pokémon, the transfer is complete.
You can now delete Pokémon Go from your old phone if you want. Your account will not be affected.
What to do if you forgot your password
If you cannot remember the password for your login method, you will need to reset it before you can sign in on the new device. The reset process depends on which service you used.
For Google: Go to accounts.google.com, click "Forgot password?", and follow the prompts. You will need to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number you set up with your Google account.
For Facebook: Go to facebook.com, click "Forgot password?", and enter the email or phone number linked to your account. Facebook will send you a reset link.
For Apple ID: Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email. Apple will send a reset link to your recovery email or phone number.
For Pokémon Trainer Club: Go to the Pokémon Trainer Club website, click "Forgot your password?", and enter your username or email. You will receive a reset link by email.
Once you have reset your password, use the new password to sign in on your new device.
Transferring between iOS and Android
Moving from an iPhone to an Android phone (or the reverse) works exactly the same way as switching between two phones of the same type. Your login method does not change, and your account data transfers without any extra steps.
The only difference is that you read the app from a different store. If you are moving from iOS to Android, read Pokémon Go from Google Play Store instead of the App Store. If you are moving from Android to iOS, read it from the App Store instead of Google Play Store. After you sign in with your existing login credentials, your account appears on the new device.
Note that any in-app purchases you made on iOS do not transfer to Android, and vice versa. If you bought Poké Coins or a Battle Pass on an iPhone, those purchases stay tied to your Apple ID and do not appear in your Android account. You would need to repurchase them through the Android version if you want them on your new phone.
If your old phone is lost or broken
You do not need your old phone to transfer your account. As long as you remember your login credentials, you can sign in on a new device when ready. Your account is stored on Niantic's servers, not on your phone.
If you cannot remember your password and your old phone is not available, use the password reset process for your login method (Google, Facebook, Apple ID, or Pokémon Trainer Club) to regain access. You will need to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number you set up with that service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Pokémon Go on two devices at the same time with one account?
No. If you sign in on a second device, you will be signed out on the first device. Pokémon Go only allows one active session per account at a time. If you try to play on both phones simultaneously, the game will log you out of whichever device you signed into first.
Will my Poké Coins transfer to my new phone?
Yes, your Poké Coins transfer with your account. However, if you purchased Poké Coins through the App Store on iOS, they are tied to your Apple ID. If you move to Android, you will need to repurchase them through Google Play. The reverse is also true: coins bought on Android do not transfer to iOS.
What if I linked my account to the wrong login method?
You can change which login method is linked to your Pokémon Go account. Open the game, tap the Poké Ball, go to Settings, and select Account. From there you can unlink your current login method and link a different one. Make sure you have access to the new login method before you unlink the old one.
Do I need to uninstall Pokémon Go from my old phone before signing in on the new one?
No. You can sign in on the new device while the app is still installed on your old phone. However, you will be signed out of the old phone automatically once you sign in elsewhere. You can delete the app from your old phone whenever you want.
How long does it take for my Pokémon to appear on the new device?
Usually 1 to 5 minutes. The game downloads your account data from Niantic's servers after you sign in. If you have hundreds of Pokémon, it may take longer. If your Pokémon do not appear after 10 minutes, try closing and reopening the app.